1. Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity
Section 4: The Rise of Christianity
Witness History Audio: Roman Emperor Accepts Christianity
Early Empire Includes Diverse Religions
In the early days of the empire, most Romans were polytheistic. Rome tolerated the various religions of its subjects. Many Jews did not want to be ruled by Rome and rebelled in A.D. 66. Rome put down the rebellion and destroyed the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What did Emperor Constantine think his vision of a cross in the sky meant?” (It was a sign that his troops who were about to go into battle would be successful if they marked their shields with a Christian symbol.)
When showing Color Transparencies 29, 31, and 32, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
Jesus Proclaims His Teachings
At the age of 30, Jesus began preaching and performing miracles of healing. He called himself the Son of God , and many Jews looked upon him as the messiah. Out of fear of rebellion, the Romans crucified him.
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2. Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity
Section 4: The Rise of Christianity
The Message of Christianity Spreads
Jesus’ followers spread Christianity, first among the Jews of Judea and then throughout the Roman world. Paul was the most influential among them. The emperor Theodosius made Christianity Rome’s official religion.
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What did Emperor Constantine think his vision of a cross in the sky meant?” (It was a sign that his troops who were about to go into battle would be successful if they marked their shields with a Christian symbol.)
When showing Color Transparencies 29, 31, and 32, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
History Interactive Spread of Christianity to A.D. 476
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3. Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity
Section 4: The Rise of Christianity
The Early Christian Church Develops
The Christian church required that a person be baptized in order to join. Women worked as missionaries but could not serve as clergy. The bishops of the important cities became powerful in the Church, with the bishop of Rome coming to serve as the pope.
Color Transparency 29: Eucharist Plate and Chalice
Color Transparency 31: Roman Expansion
Notes: Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What did Emperor Constantine think his vision of a cross in the sky meant?” (It was a sign that his troops who were about to go into battle would be successful if they marked their shields with a Christian symbol.)
When showing Color Transparencies 29, 31, and 32, use the lesson suggested in the transparency book to guide discussion.
Color Transparency 32: Spread of Christianity
QuickTake Section Quiz
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4. Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity: Section 4
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5. Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity: Section 4
Color Transparency 29: Eucharist Plate and Chalice
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6. Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity: Section 4
Color Transparency 31: Roman Expansion
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7. Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity: Section 4
Color Transparency 32: Spread of Christianity
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8. Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity: Section 4
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